(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
A HOPEFUL BEGINNING … A crowd of Swanton Local School District staff, student athletes, and others gather for a groundbreaking Wednesday, June 4, at the site of the district’s new baseball/softball complex.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
The Swanton Local School District took a huge step toward its new baseball/softball complex earlier this month when a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site. Superintendent Chris Lake joined other staff, student athletes, and involved parties for the June 4 celebration.
“This groundbreaking marks more than just the start of construction – it marks the beginning of a new chapter for our student-athletes, our school, and our community,” Lake said.
“For the first time in school history, our baseball and softball teams will be able to play on fields right here at their own high school. That’s something we can all be proud of.”
In February, the school board approved a lease-purchase agreement which will provide $1.5 million in funding for the project, buoyed by roughly $325,000 raised through donations from the community.
At the board’s May meeting, its members selected Rupp Rosebrock Inc. as the construction contractor for the project at a cost of $1,752,000.
While additional work can be added by the school district at a later date, the contract with RRI included bathrooms for $30,495, “concession finishes” for $17,900, a softball observation platform for $191,000, concrete flatwork for $78,400, bleachers for $37,750, and an irrigation system for $46,200.
According to Lake, construction “should begin in earnest in the coming days,” with the complex open in time for the spring 2026 season.